Freeway Fire

We had a terrific trip down to South Carlsbad, however some of our plans changed because of the big Freeway Fire near our home. My parents had come down to stay Saturday night, but turned around when they learned that two of my aunts were being evacuated. The mandatory evacuations extended to my folk's neighborhood, but ultimately none of them suffered any losses.

Andy brought his buddy Orlando with us, and the two of them had a great time rolling around in the cold waves amongst the surfers and dolphins. Sherry's coworker Jessie and his family were in the site next to us, so we couldn't complain about the neighbors (except for the rowdy Girl Scout Troop across the way).

Moonrise on the Berry

I spent Veteran's Day working a full day up at the Lookout. The weather was gorgeous, and the clouds made an incredible sunset.

This photo was taken on the drive down the mountain. It is looking away from the sunset, and at the moon rising over Strawberry Peak. The colors in the sunset reminded me of the Northern Lights.

The Lookout Awards

Today was the end of season barbecue and awards for the lookout volunteers. I made out pretty well with an award for "First Smoke" (spotting a fire), best photo, best newsletter article, and the "Gold Star Award" for volunteerism beyond the call (painting, repairing plumbing and electrical, etc.). I also won a raffle for a VIP tour inside the Arrowhead Tunnel.

I've only got a couple shifts left at the tower this year. Unless the weather pattern changes, we'll be closing the lookout down for the winter on December 1st. Last year we opened on Memorial Day, so it could be a long six months without standing watch in my timeshare treehouse.

Best Laid Plans

It seems like we've canceled more reservations than we've made this week. A family friend had a couple sites on the bluffs at Carlsbad Beach the same weekend we were going to San Clemente. His brother can't make the trip so we're taking their site for the beach and friendship. Seems like a fair trade.